Dysart planting trees

April 12, 2012

Volunteers and community leaders in Dysart are planting trees to provide more shade and save energy. The local effort is part of the statewide Trees Forever and Alliant Energy Branching Out community tree-planting program.

"We're looking forward to working with Trees Forever and Alliant Energy to plant more trees this year," says Kevin Alpers. "With their help, we are literally growing a better environment while making Dysart healthier, more vibrant and more energy efficient."

"Trees Forever and Alliant Energy are very excited to support this great project, as we know it will provide years and years of beauty and benefits to the community," says Shannon Ramsay, Trees Forever Founding President. "We want to thank our local volunteers for their hard work and their dedication to improving the environment and quality of life in Dysart. Together, we can all make a wonderful difference in the places we live, work and play."

Trees Forever administers the Branching Out program throughout Iowa, providing technical and planning support to participating communities. Alliant Energy funds the overall program, and provides project grants to the communities. The program will award more than $156,595.00 in grants to assist 49 Iowa communities and groups with tree-planting projects this spring; Dysart will receive $7,500.00 for its tree-planting project.

"Energy efficiency is important to everyone, and we believe our investment in tree planting and education will help our customers become more aware of the benefits that trees have to offer," said Tom Aller, president of Alliant Energy's Interstate Power and Light. "We care about the communities we serve and welcome the opportunity to help them."

If you would like to volunteer to help plant and care for the trees in Dysart - Alliant Energy - 11/12, please call Kevin Alpers at (319) 476-3683 or Trees Forever at 1-800-369-1269 x10.

Branching Out grant applications are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year, but are considered for funding during two grant-making cycles (spring and fall). The next application deadline is June 1, for fall 2012 projects; award recipients will be announced in August. For more information, contact Trees Forever at 1-800-369-1269 x10. Applications are available online at www.alliantenergy.com/branchingout or www.treesforever.org.